The 2010 Toyota Tacoma may be the Japanese automaker's smallest pickup, but it has long since left the realm of the compact courier. The Tacoma is the best selling pickup in its segment and dwarfs the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado in every area that counts. Its closest competitors are now the Dodge Dakota and Nissan Frontier and, while worthy opponents, neither can match the Tacoma's long history of reliability and high resale value. Wrapped in muscular, aggressive sheetmetal and touting the most powerful V6 engine ever to grace a small Toyota, the Tacoma has much to offer those who take their pickup trucks seriously.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a capable pickup larger than a Ford Ranger, but not as massive as a Dodge Ram, look into the 2010 Toyota Tacoma. When it comes to reliability in this segment, many organizations rank it at the top of its class.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you've driven the Honda Ridgeline or Nissan Frontier and were impressed by their car-like ride and handling, you might be disappointed that the Tacoma still drives very much like a truck.

What's New for 2010

The Toyota Tacoma sees no major changes for 2010.

Driving the Tacoma Access Cab

Driving Impressions
The Tacoma we tested was a Double Cab, long-bed model equipped with a V6, four-wheel drive, five-speed automatic transmission and the SR5 package that includes an automatic limited-slip differential. Put...

the pedal to the floor and you can feel and hear the powerful V6 working, conveying a refined sort of ruggedness. On the highway, our Tacoma rode rather nicely, but it almost seemed out of its element negotiating city streets. In general, the Tacoma always felt like it'd be happier hauling or towing something or negotiating rocks in a river. On one hand, that's exactly the attitude many buyers will require for a truck. On the other hand, the Tacoma's competition includes some other very capable trucks that offer a more "car-like" daily driving experience – namely the Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier.

Favorite Features

Supercharger KitThe optional Eaton-Roots type supercharger kit increases the V6's output to 304 horsepower and 334 lb.-ft. of torque, and carries a five-year/60,000-mile warranty (or the remainder of the powertrain warranty at the time of installation) when installed by a Toyota dealer.

Getting into and out of the 2010 Toyota Tacoma is easy, and the firm seats are designed with pleasant bolstering and adjustability to fit most body types and sizes. Access and Double Cab models now feature active headrests which move up and forward in the event of an accident. A recessed, three-ring instrument cluster looks handsome and is in clear view. Most, if not all of the controls are easy to reach and adjust, and steering wheel-mounted controls for the radio are available. Overall, the midsize Tacoma feels very roomy. On the Double Cab, the big back doors open up to a back seat as roomy as that in many small sedans.

Exterior

The 2010 Toyota Tacoma succeeds by blending classic Toyota truck styling with design features of some larger domestic models. Oversized headlamps and a wide trapezoidal grille dominate the Tacoma's assertive-looking exterior and, at a glance, the Tacoma might be mistaken for a domestic truck. The overall exterior of the Tacoma is well done, and an impeccable level of fit and finish is a known characteristic of Toyota products. Double Cab models offer a class-first roof-rack system that attaches to the roof rails. Integrated deck rails found in the bed can be used to secure optional accessories, such as the fork-mounted bike rack and diamond-plate storage boxes. The Tacoma's bed features a protective composite bed liner that is both durable and light.

Options include the 4.0-liter V6, four-wheel drive, JBL audio with Bluetooth connectivity, the SR5 Packages, which adds color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and a chrome rear bumper and the TRD Off-Road Package. Double and Access Cabs can be fit with a rear backup camera while transmission upgrades from the base five-speed manual include a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic and six-speed manual. Optional body configurations include Access Cab and Double Cab models, plus a long bed. Hill-start Assist (HAC) is available on V6 models with automatic transmissions. There are also a myriad of TRD parts available including the Big Brake Package and a supercharger.

Under the Hood

Both of the Tacoma's engines, the four-cylinder and the V6, feature Toyota's VVT-i technology (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that minimizes the compromise between low-end torque and peak horsepower. Combined with a choice of four available transmissions, two- or four-wheel drive, three cab styles and more, Toyota makes it easy to get exactly the pickup you want. Maximum towing and payload capacities are 6,500 pounds and 1,535 pounds, respectively.}

Excellent Vehicle

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "Mechanically flawless"

Cons: "Poor gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Bought this truck used when it was 4 months old when it had ~5K miles on it in early 2007. In 8 years and 113,000 miles, the only thing that's broken has been the alternator. Other than that, all I've had to do is routine maintenance. I'd buy another Toyota pickup in a heartbeat. They're awesome vehicles."

"I have owned my 2007 Tacoma for a couple of years now and I have thoroughly enjoyed driving it. It is a simple truck without all of the bells and whistles of a similarly sized 30,000 dollar competitor, but that is why I like it. It is an affordable, reliable, well made machine with very little in the way of corrective maintenance."

"Love this truck, awesome 4 x4 with some weight in the bed, its great in the snow, handles well. Gets great gas mileage on the highway with the cruise control package. Have not had any mechanical problems until this year, but its otherwise a very reliable, safe truck. The only downside is the 4 cylinder has no pick-up so I would recommend the standard shift model like I have to give it a little bit of get up an go!"

Great Truck

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

9/10

Performance

9/10

Styling

9/10

Comfort

8/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We got the truck about 7 months ago. We have had to do nothing to it what so ever. It is very reliable and starts every time. The seats are not the greatest (limited adjustment features). All in all an excellent truck for under $10,000 , if you are in the market for a reliable truck for under $10k, get the Toyota Tacoma."

"A really good truck, love the looks and the interior layout. Plenty of little places to stash things. A comfortable ride, especially as speed increases. Miss a sun/moon roof, tho. The biggest drawback is the gas mileage. For a 2WD 6-cylinder, it only gets 15-16 around town, and best I've ever gotten (on the highway) was 20.6 mpg and that was once. The sticker says 17-21, but only rarely hit 17 (usually driving mostly highway), and never gotten 21 or better. I absolutely love the truck except for the gas mileage."